Paul and Tom and everybody...I am very
uncomfortable with the way this whole project has unfolded...and not just
because of the method of reclamation they have in mind. This project
deserves further review.
Here are my observations on Heartland
Energy. My writings reflect my understanding of the situation. I
believe the following to be facts. If I am incorrect, I invite
corrections.
Representative Davids' behavior, as reported in
reliable media, has been inexcusable. I understand that his
father-in-law is a driving force behind the project. Did he really tell
a project opponent that his lawyer would 'rip out (their) eyeballs and piss on
their brain' as has been reported? I understand he apologized on the
floor of the House...too little too late for a committee chair, I
think.
An EIS needs to be completed on the
project. Opponents have alleged that this might be the largest tire
burning plant on the planet. I have also heard statements that work done
in the prelimary EAW for Heartland was based on decades old emissions data
assuming a significantly smaller facility than is currently proposed.
That tells me more homework needs to be done.
I want to see waste tires recycled. But
when you burn them, bad things can happen. Here is a partial list of
hazardous chemicals released by burning waste tires:
Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF); Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; Total
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); Chromium (hexavalent); Lead; Naphthalene;
Acenaphthylene; Phenanthrene; Anthracene; Pyrene; Flouranthrene; Total toxic
PAH's; Benzene
That from one on-line source. We need to make sure that their
scrubbers will work. That's why we need an EIS.
I know some would oppose this project no matter what. I am not one
of them. But I do not on blind faith accept that this plant will be
safe. I need to be convinced. The huge piles of tires that
dominated the landscape in the 1970's are gone. We can always put them
in road paving or find some other use. There is no tire crisis
today.
Bob Sebo
Winona
